2004-04-27 Water Board Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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and managed by the USGS, has been unbelievably delayed for over a year. The OVCDC continues to push for the DWS to place the Wai`ohinu well at the top of their priority list. It is known that the water from the Wai`ohinu area is abundant and of excellent quality. A waterline from the existing 100K gallon tank near Highway 11 to the upper end of South Point Road, just 2.3 miles, would be a very good place to locate a metered water filling station for the water haulers. This would also eliminate 12 miles round trip to Ocean View, plus a steep and dangerous 1,200 -foot elevation climb for loaded trucks. This should be the first phase and should be undertaken now. The next phase would be a waterline from the end of South Point Road, along Highway 11, to Ocean View, and eventually on north to the other communities and areas listed in the subject above. With a water source at South Point, grants and funding will be feasible. The OVCDC was formed to oversee the construction of the proposed well project funded by the State Legislation in 1998; but unfortunately, the funds were not released in spite of the fact that OVCDC had hired a project manager, Steve Bowles, and were ready to receive bids. We propose that funds from the State and held by Hawaii County be made available for OVCDC to conduct an engineering study and plan to bring a pipeline from South Point Road to Ocean View, and eventually on to Ho` okena, servicing all the farms and communities in between, and we would like to work with the DWS to help bring this about. We have consulted with contractors and engineers and have been assured that this is a viable plan. We are capable of overseeing and coordinating experts and professionals in this field, and we look forward to constructive discussions of our plan with you." Mr. Wilkins asked for clarification- -there was a plan cited when Mr. Nitsche last testified before the Board - -and that was about an aboveground pipeline from Wai`ohinu across National Park lands. He asked if that were still a possibility. Mr. Nitsche replied it is. They have consulted with the Volcano National Park, and they are more than willing to have a line come across their property. They understand, after talking to some of the larger contractors in the State, that it is expensive to put it on State Highway right -of -way; and it would probably be better to stay on private land or Kahuku Ranch. There are a few properties down at South Point, but they have not contacted them yet; however, that is part of a study they would like to do. There is also a possibility the State may relax some of the requirements for a waterline coming up the highway instead of making it more extensive to put it on their right -of -way. Mr. Heck stated that he would have questions later in the meeting for those who testified. Mr. Nitsche added that they appreciated the Board holding its meeting in Ocean View. He pointed out that the Community Center was built entirely on private funds and with their own labor in the community, along with a park. Their community could play a big part in helping get the water brought in at the highway. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ACTION: Ms. Scarr moved for approval of the Minutes of the March 23, 2004, Water Board Meeting; seconded by Mr. Goya and carried unanimously by voice vote. APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM Page 4 of 25 4- 27 -04min (Ocean View).doc